Optimal fertilizer application rates in container nursery crop production

Excess fertilization is not only costly but can also injure plants and cause unnecessary nutrient runoff, resulting in environmental damage. However, insufficient fertilization can result in plants showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, reduce crop productivity, and eventually reduce the efficiency of other resource inputs during nursery crop production.

Greening Canada’s highways: expanding nursery and landscape market opportunities

Based on earlier research results which pointed to the negative impact of compacted urban soils, this research project was designed to improve tree survivability in highway and urban environments. After five years of research and four years of direct testing, deep ripping and the addition of organic matter has been proven as a method of remediation of urban soils to ensure the long-term survival of trees. Based on several sites sampled throughout Ontario and Alberta, a soil remediation calculator was developed that estimates the amount of organic amendment required to bring the soil bulk density below root limiting thresholds for trees

Green roof technologies

The performance of 37 species under real-life green roof conditions was assessed by researchers in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Species invasiveness and winter survivability has also been evaluated. Positive results across many test species is providing green roof designers with a larger palette of green roof materials, in particular, a number of low maintenance plant species that perform well under harsh conditions.

Innovation in ornamental plant cultivars and native species

A study of 20 native species planted for evaluation at three locations in Ontario and Newfoundland. In each location plant performance was evaluated in sun and shade, in different growth media and with different watering regimes. This study has identified several new or underused native Canadian plants which have proven potential as low maintenance ornamental plants.